The protesters and residents pushing back on tourism in Barcelona

In the heart of Barcelona, a growing number of residents are voicing their frustration with the rapid increase in tourism that is changing the character of their city. On a recent Sunday, protesters marched through the central streets, shouting at tourists to 'Go Home! ' and playfully squirting water pistols at unsuspecting visitors sitting in cafés. Even a luxury clothing store was covered with stickers declaring tourists unwelcome. Tourism is a vital part of Spain's economy, and Barcelona is one of the country's top destinations. However, the surge in visitors has led many locals to feel pushed out of their own neighborhoods. This tension is not unique to Barcelona but is also seen in other popular spots across southern Europe, where residents are beginning to push back against over-tourism.

Among the protesters was Marina, a young woman who held a sign reading 'Your AirBnB used to be my home. ' She explained that the high rents caused by short-term rentals and an influx of expatriates seeking the pleasant climate have made it difficult for locals to afford living in the city. The protesters are not against tourism itself but want it to be managed at a sustainable level. Their march ended near the iconic Sagrada Familia church, a masterpiece by Catalan architect Gaudi that draws millions of visitors each year. Last year, Barcelona welcomed over 15 million tourists, nearly ten times its local population, which has put significant pressure on the city's infrastructure and housing market.

Elena, a young marine biologist, emphasized that the issue is not with individual tourists but with how tourism is managed. She pointed out that young people struggle to afford basic living costs, including rent and even coffee, due to rising prices. The problem affects older residents as well. Pepi Viu, an 80-year-old woman, was recently evicted from her home after nearly ten years because the landlord wanted higher rent than she could pay. Now living in a hostel, Pepi is searching for affordable housing but finds prices have soared by almost 70 percent. She feels unprotected and upset, as many homes have been converted into tourist flats, leaving fewer options for locals. Joan Alvarez, another resident, is fighting to keep his family flat in the Gothic quarter, a historic area at the center of the tourist zone. Despite his landlord ending his contract, Joan refuses to leave, valuing the principle of having a home in his city. Many apartments in his building have been split into single rooms for tourists, but Joan's flat remains one of the few intact homes for residents. He believes housing should not be treated as a business and that locals deserve to live in the city they call home.